Like many others on this forum, I have spent the past 24+ hours trying to make some sense of the charges against a man who has been a friend, colleague, and kind-hearted companion to so many here. However, I am unable to reconcile the charges filed with the man I know.
As each of you addresses this matter within yourselves, please remember that Jesse is innocent until proven guilty. Despite the fact that Jesse is legally innocent, many will still believe him to be guilty of the crimes charged. Before passing judgment, please wait until Jesse has had an opportunity to present a defense.
If, at the conclusion of the legal process, he is found to be guilty, think about your interactions with Jesse - his profound kindness, his gentle sense of humor, his generosity - and treat Jesse with compassion because, clearly, something would have to have gone disastrously wrong for the man we know to have done that with which he has been accused.
Posted by Jim Casteel on October 16, 2012 at 1:14 PM
I am praying that it is a case of mistaken identity. One report claimed that Jesse admitted to the court that he was the man they were looking for. I have no idea if it is true or not. I am a firm believer in "innocent until proven guilty" after a court experience I had where I was one in the pool of jurors to be chosen. I was not selected, but the man who was accused and virtually convicted in a local paper was later acquitted. I hope that will be the case for Jesse. If not, the severest possbile penalty should be imposed.
My prayers are also for this little victim. I have 4 daughters and I am grateful that none of them ever had to undergo what she and far too many others are having to endure. This madness has to stop!
Posted by Stan Rose on October 16, 2012 at 2:02 PM
I totally agree. I've considered Jesse a friend since he graciously helped guide my learning about photography 8+ years ago. I certainly don't know him that well, but I've had nothing but positive interactions with him. As an ex trial attorney I certainly know the 'truth' is not what you read from the press or in police statements. I hope he is innocent. Like Morris, if not, then there must be justice.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 16, 2012 at 5:27 PM
I was shocked and very surprised when I heard about these allegations. None of the allegations fit the Jesse I know and I'm praying an aggregious mistake has been made.
I wholly agree with CAZ that we need to let the process run it's course, hope that he gets good representation and a fair look. Speculation or buying into media reports can't be productive. \
He has my support and best wishes.
Posted by Amy Lindsey on October 16, 2012 at 5:51 PM
I'm stunned. This is not the person I, or any of us, know. I'm praying with every fiber of my being that this is a huge mistake.
Posted by Jimmy Gekas on October 16, 2012 at 8:07 PM
I'm in agreement with what is being said here. The picture that is being painted is not the Jesse I know. I've had a rough 36 hours since I found out. I'm sure many, many others here are finding this incredibly tough. It's shocking to say the least. My thoughts and prayers go out to the young girl, her family and friends, but also to Jesse's amazing kids, both of whom I have met....they don't know where their father went. Let's hope for the best.
Posted by Paul Martin on October 16, 2012 at 8:25 PM
Thanks CAZ for articulating a lot of the same thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head for the last day and a half. Like the rest of you I was devastated, dumbfounded and in complete shock reading reports of what Jesse stands accused of. I still can't rationalize that the person I know and the person accused of such terrible things are the same. I am holding out hope that as the case is heard, that he is innocent of the charges.If through the legal process he is found guilty, I hope I can find it within myself to be as compassionate as CAZ is describing. I keep thinking about his family and loved ones and it must be the most awful thing they could have imagined, the same applies to the family of the little girl. Its easy to pass judgement quickly when someone you like, respect and admire is accused of such things because it hurts and its easy to get angry in self defense. More than anything I am just terribly sad, for the little girl and everything else in this case. Having 3 little girls makes any case like this hit close to home, but even more so this time. Hopefully we will all get our friend back after being fully exonerated.
Posted by Ryan Wright on October 16, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Oh my, I did not know that.
Posted by Monte Trumbull on October 16, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Wow. I didn't know anything about this. I totally agree with CAZ. Let's hope for the best...
Posted by Rene Pirolt on October 16, 2012 at 11:36 PM
I've only known Jesse to be one of the nicest and most talented landscape photographers. I seriously hope this is a case of mistaken identity.
Posted by Rick Dunn on October 17, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Sad. Shocking. Tragic. ugh....
Posted by Pam Colander on October 18, 2012 at 5:55 PM
Just saw an article that stated Jesse has been moved to Cody, Wy and is now in custody there. He goes to court tomorrow.
Posted by Bob Falcone on October 18, 2012 at 7:32 PM
I didn't put things together until now. I have never met him (that I can recall) but have admired his work and his contributions to this forum.
I don't know anything about this except what is reported. Since criminal investigations are a part of my job, I know that in most cases law enforcement gets it right. But, having said that I do hope that for his friends here and his family's sake, this is one of those times they missed their mark.
Posted by Amy Lindsey on October 18, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Posted by Ron Bailey on October 19, 2012 at 1:11 AM
From news reports that I've read, if they are to be believed, Jesse has admitted to being the man the police were looking for. I find it interesting that his ex-wife has 'pre-distanced' herself from anything that she may have had prior knowledge to by obtaining a restraining order against Jesse in case he makes bail. As always in these type of cases, there is so much more below the surface here. My thoughts and prayers are for the little girl and her family. If indeed Jesse is guilty he should fry. That is said as a father of 13, 9 of whom are girls. I have nothing for anyone who commits this type of crime.
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 19, 2012 at 3:39 AM
This is a very sensitive subject and we,as moderators,wanted to give the forum some time to reflect an share some of your thoughts. In light of the ongoing investigation and after consulting with Jim E., we feel it is in the best interest of those involved to close the thread to further posts. Thanks for understanding.
Discussion
16 repliesAs each of you addresses this matter within yourselves, please remember that Jesse is innocent until proven guilty. Despite the fact that Jesse is legally innocent, many will still believe him to be guilty of the crimes charged. Before passing judgment, please wait until Jesse has had an opportunity to present a defense.
If, at the conclusion of the legal process, he is found to be guilty, think about your interactions with Jesse - his profound kindness, his gentle sense of humor, his generosity - and treat Jesse with compassion because, clearly, something would have to have gone disastrously wrong for the man we know to have done that with which he has been accused.
My prayers are also for this little victim. I have 4 daughters and I am grateful that none of them ever had to undergo what she and far too many others are having to endure. This madness has to stop!
I wholly agree with CAZ that we need to let the process run it's course, hope that he gets good representation and a fair look. Speculation or buying into media reports can't be productive. \
He has my support and best wishes.
I don't know anything about this except what is reported. Since criminal investigations are a part of my job, I know that in most cases law enforcement gets it right. But, having said that I do hope that for his friends here and his family's sake, this is one of those times they missed their mark.
Adam, Jack, and Josh